William Penn Belt

This is the original belt delivered by the Lenni-Lenape (Delaware) Chiefs to William Penn at the celebrated peace treaty under the elm tree at Shackamaxon in 1682. The hand of William Penn is joined in friendship with the hand of the Indian, and the two smokes (councils) of the two peoples are joined together as one. William Penn at that time said these words to the Indians, “We meet on the broad pathway of good faith and good will. No advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love. We are the same as if one man’s body was to be divided into two parts. We are of one flesh and blood.” The reply of the Lenni-Lenape Chief was as follows; “We will live in love with William Penn and his children as long as the creeks and rivers run, and while the sun, moon, and stars endure.”